The 16th annual International Diabetes Conference is scheduled for March 25 -28 at the Sunset Jamaica Grande Resort, Ocho Rios. The Conference takes place under the theme, “Diabetes and Tobacco: the Deadly Duo”. The event is organized by the University Diabetes Outreach Programme (UDOP) made up of UWI, Mona, University of Technology (UTech) and Northern Caribbean University (NCU) in collaboration with the Heart Foundation of Jamaica.

The Conference will share the latest research on the smoking of tobacco by persons with diabetes. The Conference features scientific presentations from local and international experts on a range of topics including: the treatment and management of diabetes mellitus, chronic non-communicable diseases, death and tobacco taxes and the Caribbean Tobacco Control Project. There will also be a special satellite symposium titled, An Update on Calcium and Bone Disorders hosted by the Caribbean Endocrine Society (CARES) on Sunday, March 28. The highlights of the Conference are the special awards and lectures namely: the Sir Alister McIntyre, Sir Philip Sherlock Award and Lecture and the Hugh Shearer Memorial Lecture. The McIntyre Award will go to Dr. Prakash Gupta, Director of Healis-Sekhsia for Public Health, Mumbai, India. His lecture is entitled, “Tobacco and Diabetes-Epidemiological Evidence.”  Ronnie Thwaites, talkshow host, attorney of law and Member of Parliament will receive the Philip Sherlock Award. His lecture is titled, “Progress towards Tobacco Control in Jamaica.” The keynote speaker, Professor Jean Claude Mbanya, President of the International Diabetes Federation will deliver the Hugh Lawson Shearer Memorial Lecture.

The conference also includes a 2k/ 5K Fun Run designed to encourage physical activity to maintain good health especially in the management of diabetes.

The conference is especially intended for medical practitioners engaged in the care of diabetics and tobacco smokers. Persons with diabetes are also invited to attend. For registration costs and other details interested persons may contact the Conference Secretariat via telephone at (876) 977- 1749,(876) 927-229 or e-mail udop@uwimona.edu.jm